JOURNEYS YEARLY SOLAR RETURN REPORT

 

Once each year, the Sun returns to the exact position that it held at the time of your birth.  This report outlines the astrological influences on the year ahead for the positions of the planets at the precise time of your annual solar return.

 

The report delineates the influence of the Ascendant, Midheaven, Sun, Moon, and each of the nine planets as they interact with each other and with the Houses of the horoscope.  Because there is such a wealth of information, you may find it helpful to orient yourself by first reading the following three sections in their entirety (including their subsections):

 

§2 - The Solar Return Sun: The Central Focus of the Year.

 

§3 - The Solar Return Ascendant: Personal Themes for the Year.

 

§15 - Connections between Planets and House Cusps:  Key Events of the Coming Year.

 

The report is based on your natal and solar return charts cast for the following data:

 

 

Annie

September 18, 1967  7:36:00 PM

Toronto, Canada

Time Zone: 04:00 (EDT)

Longitude: 079° W 23'

Latitude: 43° N 39'

 

Annie Rtn for 9/17/08

September 17, 2008  5:40:51 PM

Solar Return, 0° Separation

Montréal, Canada

Time Zone: 04:00 (EDT)

Longitude: 073° W 34'

Latitude: 45° N 31'

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

Natal and Return Data Used in this Report

 

§1.0 - Introductory Comments: What is a Solar Return?

 

§2.0 - The Solar Return Sun: The Central Focus of the Year

 

§2.1 - The House Occupied by the Sun: Major Issues of the Year

 

§2.2 - The Sun's Aspects in the Solar Return Chart

 

§3.0 - The Solar Return Ascendant: Personal Themes for the Year

 

§3.1 - The Return House Containing the Planet Ruling the Return Ascendant

 

§3.2 - The Natal House Highlighted by the Solar Return Ascendant

 

§3.3 - Aspects of the Ascendant in the Solar Return Chart

 

§3.4 - Planets Rising in the 1st House of the Solar Return Chart

 

§4.0 - The Solar Return Midheaven: Worldly Status, Career, and Public Activity

 

§4.1 - The Return House Containing the Planet Ruling the Return Midheaven

 

§4.2 - The Natal House Highlighted by the Solar Return Midheaven

 

§4.3 - Aspects of the Midheaven in the Solar Return Chart

 

§4.4 - Planets in the 10th House of the Solar Return Chart

 

§5.0 - The Solar Return Moon: Your Emotional Life

 

§5.1 - Aspects of the Moon in the Solar Return Chart

 

§6.0 - Mercury: Communication, Learning, Short Trips

 

§6.1 - Aspects of Mercury in the Solar Return Chart

 

§7.0 - Venus: Love, Money, Values, Relationships

 

§7.1 - Aspects of Venus in the Solar Return Chart

 

§8.0 - Mars: Initiative, Leadership, Drive

 

§8.1 - Aspects of Mars in the Solar Return Chart

 

§9.0 - Jupiter: Opportunities for Growth and Expansion

 

§10.0 - Saturn: Duty, Responsibility, Important Lessons, Hardship

 

§10.1 - Aspects of Saturn in the Solar Return Chart

 

§11.0 - Uranus: Novelty, Originality, Disruption

 

§11.1 - Aspects of Uranus in the Solar Return Chart

 

§12.0 - Neptune: Spirituality, Creativity, Self-Deception, Confusion

 

§12.1 - Aspects of Neptune in the Solar Return Chart

 

§13.0 - Pluto: Power, Control, Intense Emotional Experience, Transformation

 

§13.1 - Aspects of Pluto in the Solar Return Chart

 

§14.0 - The Solar Return Part of Fortune

 

§15.0 - Connections between Planets and House Cusps

 

§15.1 - Solar Return Planets with Return House Cusps

 

§15.2 - Solar Return Positions with Natal House Cusps

 

§15.3 - Natal Positions with Solar Return House Cusps

 

 

 

 

 

§1 - Introductory Comments: What is a Solar Return?

 

Introduction

 

You have certainly heard the expression "Many happy returns!"  - a reference to the annual cycle that begins at your date of birth.  The astrological Solar Return is a chart cast for the moment when the Sun returns to the exact position it held in your Natal horoscope.  Each year the Solar Return marks the start of your personal New Year, and astrologers look to the Solar Return horoscope to see what events and issues await you in the year ahead.

 

Astrologers have proposed many methods for interpreting the Solar Return chart.  This report follows the method of Alexandre Volguine (1903-1976), a French astrologer who, in 1937, first published his 15 years of research on Returns.  Until his death in 1976, Volguine continued to update his study of Returns in subsequent editions of his classic text, "LA TECHNIQUE DES REVOLUTIONS SOLAIRES".  For those interested in the astrological theory, the method of Volguine is outlined in the appendix to this report.

 

In accord with Volguine's method, this report is based on a Return chart cast for your location (which may be different from your birth place) when the Sun returns to its position in your Natal chart.  Because we insert an extra day into the calendar every four years during the leap year, your Solar Return may occur either on, or a day before or after, your calendar birthday.

 

If you do not know your exact time of birth, you can still do a general Return chart by using as your presumed "birth time" the exact moment of sunrise on your birth date.  The Solar Return chart calculated from a sunrise birth chart provides a generally accurate astrological forecast for the year ahead; but, if possible, use your actual time of birth to get the most accurate forecast.

 

According to the astrological theory of Solar Returns, the Natal chart represents a basic blueprint of the individual (similar to the DNA within the nucleus of the cell) and the Return chart reveals the annual renewal or reactivation of the Natal chart as measured against both the ongoing movement of the planets and the newly generated set of House cusps at the time the individual's Natal Sun is "reborn" at the annual (SR) birthday.  A key feature of Return chart interpretation involves studying the relationship between the annual Return Houses and the birth chart Houses.

 

Beginning with the next section, this report will review and interpret the major factors identified by Volguine for identifying the themes and events that will dominate your life during the coming year.  The current Solar Return chart actually spans a period of about a year and a half because its influence is felt from three months before the current birthday until three months after next year's birthday.  This three-month transitional overlap between subsequent Returns represents the period when the themes of one year gradually give way to those of the next.

 

 

A note on stressful aspects:

 

In some delineations you will read that an adverse event could occur if the planet being discussed forms discordant aspects in the chart.  The harsh aspects are the semi-square (45 degrees), the square (90 degrees), the sesqui-square (135 degrees), the inconjunct (150 degrees), and the opposition (180 degrees).  In addition, the conjunction (joining together) of certain pairs of planets is intrinsically difficult because of the conflicting nature of the planets involved.  To determine whether a stressful aspect is in effect, you may need to refer to the section where the aspects formed by the planet were first discussed in the report.

 

Into every life a little rain must fall.  Do not be alarmed if negative predictions show up in various sections of this report.  Stressful events often hover as potentials in the background but never materialize.  The repetition of a trend in several parts of the horoscope chart is the key to accurate prediction in astrology.  In general, adverse events occur only when many aspects or configurations repeatedly point toward their manifestation.  If a stressful event is mentioned but once or twice, it is unlikely to manifest.  In any case, forewarned is forearmed.

 

On Aspect Strengths:  Next to the aspects you will often find a listing of the "strength" of the aspect.  The number you see is based on how close the aspect is to being exact.  The higher the number, the more exact the aspect.  The aspects range in strength from a low of about 1 to a high of about 8.  Theoretically, the very close aspects are more likely to manifest in your life.

 

 

Astrological Houses in the Return Chart

 

If you are not familiar with astrology, it will help to know a little about the astrological Houses as you read this report.  You probably know that there are 12 signs of the zodiac.  In a similar way, astrologers divide the horoscope wheel into 12 "Houses," which look like a pie cut into 12 pieces.  Each House represents a particular area of life.  The 1st House starts at the Ascendant, which is the point where the zodiac circle in the heavens crosses the horizon in the east.  By convention the Ascendant lies at the "9 o'clock" point on the circle.  The remaining Houses follow the 1st House in a counterclockwise direction around the wheel so that the 10th House, which symbolizes your career and standing in the world, lies at the very top of the chart.  The entry point into each House is called its cusp.  Below is a list of the twelve Houses and some of their key meanings for reference as you read this report.

 

1st House: your body, personality, personal initiatives, life force.

 

2nd House: money, income, possessions, values.

 

3rd House: communication, analytical thinking, writing, local travel, siblings, neighbors.

 

4th House: home, family, parents, past conditioning, final endings.

 

5th House: fun, romance, recreation, vacations, children, sports, gambling, creative self-expression.

 

6th House: service, health concerns, daily grind, subordinates, tenants, pets.

 

7th House: significant others, consultants, partnerships, contracts, lawsuits, open enemies, the public.

 

8th House: death, sex, taxes, joint finances, surgery, investigation, transformation, occult studies.

 

9th House: higher education, long-distance travel, religion, philosophy, the law, foreign interests, publishing, broadcasting.

 

10th House: career, worldly status, honors, public standing, reputation authority, bosses, parental figures.

 

11th House: friends, hopes & wishes, group involvements.

 

12th House: solitude, imaginative endeavors, confinement, hospitalization, spiritual pursuits, loss of freedom, secret enemies, self-undoing.

 

 

 

 

 

§2.0 - The Solar Return Sun: The Central Focus of the Year

 

General Significance of the Sun

 

The Sun, ruler of Leo, is the most important "planet" in the Return.  The primal energy of the Sun makes possible our life on earth.  The Sun enlivens, asserts, illuminates, vitalizes, promotes, fathers, energizes, individualizes, elevates, and makes conscious.  Astrological aspects involving the Sun show how we achieve (or fail to achieve) honor, status, recognition, achievement, and individuation - how we shine, create, and make our mark on the world.  People signified by the Sun include fathers, husbands, mature men, bosses, authority figures, and people of influence.  In health matters, the Sun symbolizes the heart and the spine.

 

The Return placement and aspects of the Sun may involve us either personally through health matters and life circumstances governed by the Sun, or indirectly through people symbolized by the Sun. We will next look at the zodiacal sign and House positions of the Sun in the Solar Return chart.

 

 

 

Return Sun in Virgo

 

The Return Sun occupies the exact location in the same sign as the Sun in your birth chart.  Having the Sun in meticulous Virgo generally makes you modest, shy, disciplined, discriminating, analytical, practical, reliable, efficient, health conscious, good with details, and fond of helping or serving others.  You are probably a bit apprehensive and feel that you can't be too careful.  Your faults may include worrying too much and being overly fussy, fastidious, and critical of yourself and others.

 

Having considered the sign containing the Sun, we now turn to the Sun's Return House position, which highlights the central themes of the year ahead.

 

 

§2.1 - The House Occupied by the Sun: Major Issues of the Year

 

Return Sun in the Return 7th House

 

The Sun occupies your Return 7th House and places the focus on marriage, partnerships, legal matters, contractual agreements, consultative relationships, and dealings with the general public.  You would do well to seek expert advice and to have those who are more knowledgeable than yourself represent you in any type of binding negotiation.  This is likely to be a year of increased popularity with ample opportunities for socializing, teamwork, and contact with the public.

 

 

§2.2 - The Sun's Aspects in the Solar Return Chart

 

Return Sun conjunct Return Part of Fortune  (Strength:  6.65)

 

This extremely fortunate aspect promises a successful and prosperous year.  You are likely to receive some type of recognition for a job well done.  This is your year to shine.  Honors, awards, prizes, popularity, and increased income often accompany this configuration.

 

 

Return Sun square Return Pluto  (Strength:  2.84)

 

The Sun stressfully aspecting Pluto, the god of the underworld, makes this a fateful year when you may be called upon to deal with forces beyond your control.  This aspect sometimes indicates a crisis that can produce a radical transformation in your personality, sense of identity, and outlook on life.  Sun/Pluto events have a far-reaching impact, and serve as milestones that divide your life into before and after.  Issues related to mortality, power, control, biological urges, childbirth, sexual passion, abuse, and violence come to the fore.  It is not uncommon during such a year to experience a significant loss, to contemplate death, or to deal with the goods of the dead.  You grow personally and view life quite differently as a result of your encounter with the heart of darkness.

 

You could develop an interest in Pluto-ruled matters such as research, healing, sex, elimination, rebirth, dying, psychic phenomena, near-death experiences, or the afterlife.  Concerns about the health or welfare of a parent or authority figure may occupy your attention.  You may find yourself at the mercy of someone who holds a position of power and influence.  Stressful Pluto aspects can also expose you to the risk of violence - natural or man made.  If other aspects suggest health problems, this Sun/Pluto connection could indicate a need for surgery, chemotherapy, or other potent healing methods.  Pluto is a very slow-moving planet and this influence may be felt for several years.

 

 

Return Sun inconjunct Return Neptune  (Strength:  2.77)

 

This can be a year of artistic, musical, poetic, or religious inspiration.  Neptune heightens your intuitive and imaginative creativity.  Glamour, glitz, and illusion may become appealing.  Spiritual experiences could involve you in an increased awareness of hidden dimensions of reality.  You may need to reconsider your pursuit of a cherished dream or ideal.  Events may occur that dissolve the boundaries of your ego, enhance your appreciation of mortality, and make you more cognizant of the universality of human experience.  You may engage in activities that selflessly assist others or promote the common good.  You will want to reserve time alone for reflection, prayer, and meditation.  Neptune is a slow-moving planet and this influence may be felt for several years.

 

This stressful Sun/Neptune aspect warns that the self-sacrifice of Neptune could turn into victimization, paranoia, martyrdom, or deliberate self-harm.  In rare cases, you, or someone close to you, may entertain thoughts of suicide.  You would be wise to shore up your mental health and avoid acting as your own worst enemy.  You may confront issues involving escapism, confusion, self-deception, hopelessness, drug or alcohol abuse, illicit behavior, con games, or loss of touch with reality.  Be sure to stay attuned to your own inner psychological states and motivations.

 

A significant man could pass from your life.  Extra responsibilities for children may arise.  If other factors suggest health problems, this aspect could signify mysterious or difficult-to-diagnose ailments, either physical or emotional, that affect you or a significant other.  On occasion, grief, loss, hospitalization, or confinement may be indicated.

 

 

Return Sun oppose Return Uranus  (Strength:  2.13)

 

The Sun discordantly aspecting Uranus enters your life like a bolt out of the blue, bringing abrupt events, unanticipated disruptions, unsettling news, and shocking events in its wake.  Such happenings can have a major impact on your character, vitality, and individuality.  All Sun/Uranus aspects tend to stimulate your creativity, excitability, self-will, and originality.  Sudden flashes of insight increase your spiritual awareness.  You may become more outspoken, even rebellious, and you might join with others in promoting a cause.  Career breaks, job changes, or periods of unemployment due to layoffs or an inability to work are possible.

 

In the area of relationships, you may experience sudden attachments and equally sudden breakups, estrangements, or partings.  Ongoing connections with others may undergo abrupt fluctuations.  The Sun symbolizes your father and other significant males; the aspect to Uranus could signify unanticipated events, accidents, or separations involving a man in your life.  Stressful Sun/Uranus aspects also expose you to the risk of accidents, injuries, or acute illness.  Be careful while traveling or when using electrical or mechanical equipment.  News about an accident, injury, heart problem, or an untimely death sometimes accompanies this aspect.

 

 

 

 

§3.0 - The Solar Return Ascendant: Personal Themes for the Year

 

The Ascendant-Descendant or East-West Axis in the SR chart

 

The East-West Axis of the astrological map represents the Celestial Horizon.  The Ascendant (in the East) signifies the filter through which you view the world and the manner in which you project your personality toward others.  It also reflects your physical body and your personal initiatives.   The Descendant (in the West) symbolizes your partnerships, close relationships, and the way you get along with other people.

 

Planets that form close aspects with the East-West Axis of the Return chart will color your personality style, personal initiatives, and manner of relating.  The degree of the zodiac rising in the East (the Ascendant) varies with your location on earth at the time of your Solar Return.  If the Return Ascendant receives particularly stressful aspects, some astrologers advise their clients to travel to a location that will minimize or negate those aspects on the day of their Solar Return.  In the following section we consider the influence of the horizon (Ascendant-Descendant) axis in the year ahead.

 

 

 

Return Ascendant in Aquarius

 

Marching to the beat of your own drum

 

Aquarius rising in your Return chart heralds a year when you are able to be original and inventive.  You may be called upon to use your ability to think abstractly and impartially.  Expect to spend lots of time with friends and with groups to which you belong.  Uranus, the modern ruler of Aquarius, often brings surprises, disruptions, and sudden events into the life.  Some people develop a serious interest in computers, technology, astrology, or New Age topics under an Aquarius Ascendant.

 

Because the Ascendant signifies your body, check to see whether the Ascendant itself or the Ascendant's rulers Saturn and Uranus form stressful aspects.  If so, you could experience health problems, nervous conditions, or accidents during the year.  Be especially careful while driving or operating dangerous machinery.  If health difficulties occur, you may become interested in modern advances in medical technology and alternative methods of healing.

 

The Houses of your Natal chart with Aquarius on the cusp as well as the Houses of your Return chart that contain Saturn and Uranus, the co-rulers of Capricorn, indicate areas of your life that will be in high focus during the year.  Planets that form close aspects to Saturn or Uranus in the Return chart indicate the types of people and events involved.

 

Uranus and Saturn are respectively the modern and traditional planetary rulers of the sign Aquarius, Thus, Uranus and Saturn are the rulers of the Ascendant in this year's Return chart.

 

 

§3.1 - The SR House Containing the Planet Ruling the SR Ascendant

 

Return Uranus in the Return 1st House

 

Uranus in the Return 1st House suggests changes in the status quo with regard to your body, physical appearance, health, personal plans, new projects, and sense of personal identity.  You are likely to be more restless, unconventional, and impatient during the year.  Surprising or unexpected changes are in store.  You may adopt a unique or eccentric appearance or manner of self-expression.  Novel concepts and progressive ideas become appealing.

 

 

§3.2 - The Natal House Highlighted by the Solar Return Ascendant

 

Return Ascendant in the Natal 12th House

 

The Natal House placement of this year's Return Ascendant shows where you are most likely to take personal action in the coming year.  Your dominant interests and activities will center on 12th House matters such as spiritual concerns, your inner life, and work done in secret or behind the scenes.  The 12th House also rules clandestine activities and secret love affairs.  There can be a strong emphasis on research, investigation, voluntary isolation, confinement, or retirement.  This is a time when you take a little more time for yourself for reflection, personal space, and relaxation.  Your dreaming world is especially vivid and active. Now is a time to deal with your fears, sorrows, and personal limitations.  Imaginative and creative endeavors are favored at this time.

 

 

§3.3 - Aspects involving the Ascendant in the Solar Return Chart

 

Return Ascendant conjunct Return Neptune  (Strength:  10.09)

 

Neptune conjunct the Return Ascendant acts to dissolve past attitudes toward appearance, physical body, personal initiative, and sense of self.  A person or situation that has been crucial to your sense of identity may pass from your life at this time.  You would be wise to schedule a complete physical this year because chronic, occult, mysterious, or allergic health conditions could come to light.  Be cautious with the use of drugs or alcohol.  On occasion, a period of grief or hospitalization may be indicated.

 

Because the Return Ascendant shows where you take personal action during the year, the House(s) of the Return and Natal charts with Pisces on the cusp will be especially significant during this Return year.

 

 

Return Ascendant trine Return Mercury  (Strength:  6.55)

 

Mercury favorably aspecting the Return Ascendant puts a positive light on communication, education, travel, and commerce.  This year will be full of mental activity, talk, letters, phone calls, writing, travel, movement, busy work, short trips, and frequent comings and goings.  You tend to be more youthful, agile, adaptable, quick-witted, and verbally expressive.  You may teach, take classes, or receive training under this influence.  Pursuing further education can have a beneficial effect on your career.  Activities that require physical movement and dexterity are especially appealing.  You are also likely to have frequent contacts with siblings, young people, kin, neighbors, and members of your local community.  Things that you write or say help to define who you are to others.  A major trip is possible.

 

 

Return Ascendant trine Return Venus  (Strength:  5.89)

 

Venus favorably aspecting the Ascendant brings promise of happy times in your emotional life.  Friendships and social contacts go well.  Your personal popularity is high.  Some enter into marriage or partnerships under this influence.

 

 

Return Ascendant trine Return Mars  (Strength:  4.82)

 

Return Mars favorably aspecting the Ascendant increases your energy, drive, assertiveness, and daring.  You are able to take the initiative in successfully promoting personal projects.  A program of diet and exercise can provide more stamina as well as improve your personal appearance.  Your courage and leadership help you to emerge victorious from challenging situations.  Now would be a good time to engage in activities that require assertiveness or the use of force.

 

 

Return Ascendant conjunct Return Moon's North Node  (Strength:  3.23)

 

Your connections and contacts with others are in high focus.  You could become part of a team of like-minded individuals who unite to pursue a common goal.  Fellowship, collegiality, brotherhood, and sisterhood are important themes at this time.  Someone from your past may re-enter your life and engage you in a serious partnership, perhaps with karmic overtones.  This aspect has a fated quality, and you may feel carried along by forces beyond your control.

 

 

§3.4 - Planets Rising in the First House of the Solar Return Chart

 

Solar Return Planets occupying the Solar Return First House

 

The Return 1st House reveals your yearly personal or psychological activity.  Any planets that occupy the Return 1st House show the nature of your activity and your psychological reactions during the coming year.  If a planet lies close to the Return Ascendant (within 5 degrees), you will have a fair amount of personal control over the action.  Planets in the 1st House that lie further away from the Return Ascendant (more than 5 degrees) indicate that you will have less control and be more at the mercy of the forces symbolized by those planets.

 

The Return planets that occupy your Return 1st House are listed below.  If this section is blank, there are no 1st House planets in your Return chart.

 

 

Return Uranus in the Return 1st House

 

This interpretation appeared previously in section §3.1 - The SR House Containing the Planet Ruling the SR Ascendant.

 

 

Return Neptune in the Return 1st House

 

Neptune in the Return 1st House raises the possibility of some misunderstanding, deception, or confusion with regard to your appearance, sense of self, physical body, or a personal project.  A longstanding situation, relationship, or preoccupation related to such matters may become confusing.  A significant journey may occur this year.  You are likely to be sensitive, moody, romantic, and somewhat impractical.

 

 

 

 

 

§4.0 - The Solar Return Midheaven: Worldly Status, Career, and Public Activity

 

The North-South or Meridian Axis of the Solar Return Chart

 

The North-South or Meridian Axis of the astrological map represents your vocation, public image, parents, and family matters.  The Midheaven at the top of the chart (due south in those charts of the northern hemisphere) symbolizes your career, worldly status, and public activities.  The Imum Coeli (I.C.) at the bottom of the chart signifies your home, your domestic life, and the final conclusion of pending affairs.

 

Planets that form close aspects with the North-South Axis of the Return chart will color vocational and family matters during the year.  The degree of the zodiac on your Return Midheaven depends on your location on earth at the time of your Solar Return.  If the Return Midheaven receives particularly stressful aspects, some astrologers advise their clients to travel to a location that will minimize or negate those aspects on the day of their Solar Return.  In the following section we consider the influence of the meridian axis in your Return chart.

 

 

 

Return Midheaven in Sagittarius

 

The Midheaven in Sagittarius suggests that your career, status, and public activities will involve foresight, inspiration, taking a broad view, and being willing to take risks.  A certain wanderlust and a desire for freedom, adventure, and excitement will pervade your work life.  You are able to sell others on yourself and your ideas.  Work related travel may accompany this placement.

 

The House position of the Return Midheaven's planetary ruler gives further information about your social reputation and vocation in the year ahead.  The planet ruling the Return Midheaven is discussed below.

 

Because the planet Jupiter rules the sign Sagittarius, Jupiter is the ruler of the Midheaven in this year's Return chart.

 

 

§4.1 - The SR House Containing the Planet Ruling the SR Midheaven

 

Return Jupiter in the Return 11th House

 

Return Jupiter in the Return 11th House brings opportunities and benefits through friends, acquaintances, clubs, and organizations.  You can rely on your friends for their help and support, and your circle of friends may increase.  Others value your advice and counsel.  You could become active in fraternal groups and associations.  There may be requests for you to lecture or teach groups of people about your interests.  Income from career should improve, and you may wish to seek a raise or follow up on opportunities for higher paying employment.  You may be invited, or elected, to join a society or to assume a position of leadership in an organization.  A cherished hope could become a reality, and this is an excellent time to practice creative visualization.  Be careful what you wish for, however, because you just might get it.  You may also find ways to carry out your altruistic desires to help those in need and make a better world.  The study of astrology or other New Age topics could expand your horizons.

 

 

§4.2 - The Natal House Highlighted by the Solar Return Midheaven

 

Return Midheaven in the Natal 8th House

 

The Return Midheaven lies at the top of the Return chart where it reveals the actions and circumstances of your life that will be most visible to others during the coming year.  When the Return Midheaven lies in your Natal 8th House, it highlights issues related to intimacy, sexuality, sharing, taxes, loans, inheritances, and joint finances.  You may be called upon to investigate secret or hidden matters.  Typically you will be dealing with some type of transformation and rebirth -- the ending of one phase of your life and the beginning of a new one.  In stressful charts, a need for surgery or other healing interventions may be indicated.  In most cases, an increased interest in healing and developing self-mastery skills is experienced.  It is an excellent year for ridding yourself of a bad habit that has been limiting you or undermining your confidence in yourself and in life.

 

 

§4.3 - Aspects involving the Midheaven in the Solar Return Chart

 

Return Midheaven square Return Saturn  (Strength:  1.80)

 

Return Saturn square the Return Midheaven requires you to be serious and responsible about career, reputation, ambition, public standing, and your role in society.  Expect a year of long hours and hard work, during which you will certainly learn a great deal.  You may feel a strong need to assume authority and to be in control, but it can feel lonely at the top.  Events may occur that compel you to confront feelings of low self-worth, loneliness, or inferiority.  Family matters and domestic concerns may become draining or burdensome.  People of power and influence can give you a hard time.  If you have put in honest effort, this can be a year of great accomplishment; but if you have cut corners along the way, a lowering of your status before the world may ensue.

 

 

Return Midheaven conjunct Natal Mars  (Strength:   2.48 )

 

With the Return Midheaven conjunct your Natal Mars, you will feel a strong drive to succeed in the eyes of the world.  Your personal initiative could lead to some type of public recognition.  This year you are willing to take risks and work courageously as you vigorously go after your worldly ambitions.  However, if you push too hard in pursuing your personal initiatives, you could run into conflict with others, especially those in authority.  This aspect favors Mars-ruled endeavors such as the military, police work, or fire fighting.  Aspects involving Mars, the god of war, always carry some risk of rash behavior, injury, or accidents.  On occasion, this aspect will point to a need for surgery for you, a parent, or an authority figure in your life.  You may take public action regarding matters ruled by the Natal or Return Houses with Aries and Scorpio on the cusp.

 

 

§4.4 - Planets in the Tenth House of the Solar Return Chart

 

SR Planets in the Solar Return Tenth House

 

The Return 10th House relates to career, family, worldly status, and any public actions you take during the year.  The Return planets that occupy the Return 10th House reveal the nature of such public activity and how it may affect your vocational and family life.

 

The Return planets that occupy your Return 10th House are listed below.  If this section is blank, there are no 10th House planets in your Return chart.

 

 

Return Pluto in the Return 10th House

 

Pluto, the planet of radical change and transformation, occupies your Return 10th House of career, business, government, authority, public standing, parental issues, and social responsibility.  Significant changes may occur in your professional life and drastically modify the image you present to the world.  A noteworthy event could drastically alter your public status or bring notoriety.  You may be called upon to assume a position of power, influence, expertise, or leadership.  A significant award or recognition for your efforts is possible.  Conflicts and power struggles with established authorities may also occur.  Experiences related to death, dying, healing, or surgery could occupy your attention.

 

 

 

 

§5.0 - The Solar Return Moon: Your Emotional Life

 

General Significance of the Moon

 

The Moon, ruler of Cancer, receives and reflects the light of the Sun.  As such, the Moon symbolizes the inner, reflective, receptive, emotional, and subconscious aspects of human life.  The Moon represents our feeling states, heredity, instincts, habit patterns, our early experiences with mothering, and our domestic life.  Astrological aspects involving the Moon reveal how we react emotionally, and how we give or receive nurturing and comfort.  People signified by the Moon include mothers, females in general, and the significant women in our lives.  In health matters, the Moon symbolizes cyclic changes, nutrition, and female issues; also, the breasts, the stomach, and the brain matter.

 

The Return placement and aspects of the Moon may involve us either personally through health matters and life circumstances governed by the Moon, or indirectly through people symbolized by the Moon.  Lunar aspects that are said to perfect on a certain date have an orb of a month or longer.  We will next consider the Return zodiacal sign and House placements of the Moon.

 

 

 

Return Moon in Aries

 

The Moon in Aries suggests an active and energetic year in which you feel renewed self-confidence, assertiveness, and enthusiasm to try something new.  You are likely to be quite active and on the go.  Others tend to follow your lead and are likely to feel inspired by your pioneering spirit.  You may come across as self-centered, and you may lack the discipline and endurance to complete new projects that you begin at this time.  Don't let your bright ideas run away with you and try to bolster your follow-through if you wish to optimize your chances for success in the coming year.

 

 

Return Moon in the Return 2nd House

 

The Moon, which reflects your feelings and emotional life, occupies the Return 2nd House of income, values, resources, and personal possessions.  You are likely to feel concerned about emotional and financial security.  Issues of possessiveness and attachment to material goods may occupy your attention.  Fluctuations in income and worries about money and finances are possible.  Your emotions strongly affect your financial judgment, so you should proceed cautiously with any major purchases.  If you have any doubts about a potential investment, seek the advice of a financial expert.  Take stock of your talents and abilities, and take steps to enhance your skills at this time.

 

 

§5.1 - Aspects involving the Moon in the Solar Return Chart

 

Return Moon trine Return Pluto  (Strength:  6.56) - Aspect perfects on 9/28/08.

 

The Moon aspecting Pluto often indicates profound changes in your personality and emotional life.  You may experience great depth of feeling about matters that are dear to your heart.  This could involve coming to understand, on a gut level, the meaning of human mortality.  You will have the opportunity to deal positively with issues of power and control in close relationships.  Personal transformation may come about through your relationships with the women in your life.  Psychological insights and psychic experiences commonly accompany this aspect.

 

 

Return Moon oppose Return Venus  (Strength:  1.34)

 

The Moon discordantly aspecting Venus warns of potential conflict, tension, unpopularity, separation, or lack of appreciation in relationships.  Make a special effort to let significant others know how much you care about them.  You may undergo periods of moodiness and irritability during which you are swayed by emotion and may be unable to think rationally.  Beware of acting against your better judgment and acquiescing to the half-baked, misdirected plans of others.  If you base your actions solely on emotion, you will suffer the consequences at a later date.  Difficulties may arise due to excess, poor judgment, maudlin sentimentality, or overindulgence.  This aspect can correlate with difficulties in a love affair, marriage, partnership, pregnancy, or childbirth.  Make an effort to communicate your needs clearly and to work out your differences with close associates.

 

 

Return Moon trine Natal Venus  (Strength:   6.60 )

 

The Return Moon harmoniously aspecting natal Venus has a very positive effect on your emotional life.  Close relationships are supportive and friendly.  Intimacy comes easily.  Conditions are generally harmonious on the domestic front.  Romance may blossom.

 

 

Return Moon trine Natal Midheaven  (Strength:   3.41 ) - Aspect perfects on 12/18/08.

 

The Return Moon favorably aspecting your natal Midheaven helps you to balance your emotional needs with your professional ambitions.  Your desire to care for others may find expression in your work.  You may form spiritual ties with others.  Opportunities for advancement may come through the women in your life.  There may be positive changes in your career.  Matters related to family, real estate, and your domestic life should proceed smoothly.

 

 

Return Moon trine Natal Jupiter  (Strength:   3.28 )

 

This is a period of enhanced emotionality.  Warmth and generosity characterize relationships with others.  Your intuition is heightened.  The women in your life may be especially supportive, and you tend to be popular with the general public at this time.

 

 

 

 

§6.0 - Mercury: Communication, Writing, Learning, Selling, Short Trips

 

General Significance of Mercury

 

Mercury, ruler of Gemini and Virgo, was the messenger of the gods.  Mercury symbolizes language, communication, the thinking process, the intellect, writing, correspondence, education, commerce, transit, movement, and all means of transport.  Astrological aspects involving Mercury show how we think and communicate our ideas to others; also, how we move about in our community.  People signified by Mercury include writers, communicators, salespersons, students, the young people in our lives, messengers, drivers, neighbors, siblings, and other kin.  In health matters, Mercury symbolizes the tongue, upper extremities, lungs, respiratory system, nervous system, thyroid, and the sense of sight.

 

The Return placement and aspects of Mercury may involve us either personally through health matters and life circumstances governed by Mercury, or indirectly through people symbolized by Mercury.  Travel accidents are often shown by afflictions to Mercury, especially hard aspects involving Mars or Uranus. We will next consider the Return House placement of Mercury.

 

 

Return Mercury in the Return 8th House

 

Mercury, the messenger of the gods, in your Return 8th House of sex, death, surgery, mortality, taxes, debts, penetration, a partner's income, and joint resources brings you many opportunities to learn about such matters during the coming year.  This is an excellent time to pursue occult subjects, investigate psychic phenomena, or do any type of in-depth study and research.  You may wish to learn more about money, investing, insurance, and estate planning in an effort to get your financial house in order.  Your thoughts may turn to matters related to death, dying, and the afterlife; or you could receive an important message related to such matters.  Most likely you would find it productive to explore your unconscious mind and to find ways to deal with pent-up emotions from past hurts and wrongs.  With Mercury in the Return 8th House, there is a possibility of an accident or a need for surgery.  Be careful on the road this year as Mercury, the god of travel, is traversing the Return House of death.

 

 

§6.1 - Aspects of Mercury in the Solar Return Chart

 

Return Mercury trine Return Neptune  (Strength:  7.00)